DUIs in Colorado

DUI and DWI in Colorado are serious offenses and can result in severe consequences. Colorado DUI information varies by degree, but in terms of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Colorado recognizes a DUI and driving while ability impaired (DWAI) as chargeable offenses. DWAI and DUI laws are enforced through traffic monitoring by police officers and anyone who is pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence is required to perform a roadside sobriety test. There are multiple DUI consequences you risk facing if you are charged with driving under the influence, which is why we have provided you with comprehensive information to help you with a DUI case. A DUI lawyer and DWI attorney can help you with your case and ideally reduce your penalty. Find a DUI attorney by searching here.

What is a DUI?

If you are charged with DUI, you have been found driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol by law enforcement. DUI laws define “driving under the influence” as driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. A DWAI means you were driving with .05 to .08 blood alcohol concentration levels. Blood alcohol concentration is essentially a measurement of how much alcohol is in your system. Drunk driving information estimates that about 10,000 Colorado residents are pulled over for driving under the influence each year.

What happens if I get pulled over while driving under the influence?

DUI consequences can be extremely severe and expensive, so it is best to cooperate with a police officer if you get pulled over while driving under the influence. If you are wondering, “What happens if you get a DUI?” then be aware that when an officer pulls you over and believes you are intoxicated, he or she will ask you to perform a roadside sobriety test. If you are charged with a DUI, then the officer will arrest you and take you to jail. Getting a DUI means you will be asked to provide a blood, breath, saliva or urine sample to determine drug and alcohol content. If you refuse to provide a sample, DUI laws require that your driver’s license be suspended for at least one year. You will lose your privilege to drive regardless of whether or not you are convicted of driving under the influence or driving with impaired ability.

Additionally, if you arrested for a DUI, your car will most likely be impounded while you are in jail. You may even be transported to an alcohol detoxification facility until you are sober.

What are the consequences of a DUI?

DUI penalties are dependent upon the severity of the case. Furthermore, the consequences of a DUI become more serious after a first conviction. First and foremost, a first-time DUI offense can cost around $10,000 and can result in a class II misdemeanor on your criminal record if you are convicted. Because of a DUI conviction, you may possibly lose your driver’s license for at least a year or be required by a judge to have an ignition interlock device installed in your car for up to 24 months. An ignition interlock system is a breathalyzer that you must blow into before you can drive your car. DUI penalties can extend to jail time, probation, alcohol education and treatment course and community service.

If you are arrested with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or higher, then you will be charged as a persistent drunk driver (PDD), even if it is your first offense. DUI consequences for a PDD conviction are much harsher because you are sentenced as a repeat offender. Additionally, if your drunk driving incident result in homicide, you will be charged with vehicular homicide, which is a class III felony. A DUI that results in serious injury to another person is considered vehicular assault and is categorized as a class VI felony. In such criminal cases, the aid of a defense DUI attorney is crucial.

What should I do if I’m charged with a DUI?

A DUI attorney can help you with your case. When you hire a DWI attorney, you get professional insight into the law. With an understanding of DUI laws, an attorney will be able to set up a plea bargain for you. Since a DUI lawyer has extensive knowledge of the court system and the laws you violated, he or she can better convince a judge to reduce your sentence, which can potentially save you money, time and energy. Ease the stress of handling a DUI case by searching for DUI attorneys here.